UFS surges ahead
Ready to face new, fresh challenges to remain at the
forefront of fighting for seafarer's welfare and rights and continue pushing
for a genuine maritime reform
FRESH from a new mandate to lead the 20,000-strong United
Filipino Seafarers into the next millennium and face the new and continuing
challenges that confront seafarers, Engr. Nelson P. Ramirez reported to
the general membership of the leaps and bounds the union has achieved over
the last five years. (Click here for the full
text of the State of the Union Report)
Ramirez told members during the general meeting and election
of officers at the National Press Club on Dec. 16 how, five years ago,
"no one would think that a maritime union like the UFS would ever come
into being."
FULL STORY
Bareboat charter program sizzles anew
By DENNIS GADIL
The glaring fact remains: The bareboat
program failed to develop the country’s local merchant
fleet and, in fact, caused its decline.
A "SWEETHEART CONSPIRACY" by a group of local shipowners
and former top officials of Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has left
the country’s bareboat charter program under the hands of a select few.
Industry sources revealed to Tinig ng Marino that the
grand "conspiracy” started when Philip Tuazon was appointed as Marina
administrator during the Aquino administration which lasted up to the early
months of the Ramos presidency. Tuazon, a bareboat chaterer himself when
the program was first introduced in 1976, issued memorandum circulars (MCs)
which effectively made it difficult for small shipping companies
to continue participating in the bareboat program.
FULL STORY
Justice grinds slowly for 2 Filipino seamen in Iran
By MYRA V. LOPEZ
TWO WIVES are in anguish. More than a year had passed
and their husbands cannot still go home. They are suspects in the
disappearance of a shipmate in Iran.
Judging from the way the case is moving, there is no immediate
relief in sight. Worse, they could only have news of their husbands
from friends and acquaintances. The pieces of advice and seminars conducted
by apostolic groups for the relatives of seafarers are not enough. They
-- Wilfreda Longkines and Luding Enero -- agreed it is time to take matters
in their hands.
FULL STORY |
